Newby- Prolly Buying A '63 (clone) Biscayne 409-425

[CORVAIRWILD]

I'll post more later, I'm viewing the car tmrw nite...

My question and concern is... seller states and it's obvious car has a Muncie shifter.

What tranny would this car have come with? I'm guessing Muncie wasn't intro'd until 1964. A guy had the "correct" BW T10 at Carlisle Chevy this wknd. But then I'd need the dogleg shifter, and seller says the setup is working well, so why play with success?

The car is running 3.55's, and I intend to drive to distant car shows. I'd really prefer a 5 speed overdrive.

But in the meantime, what about changing to a hi 2's gearset? Seller states car has P posi.

Suggestions?

BTW- I'm REALLY anxious to see the car, I've wanted a 409 since I helped a friend build one in 1979! This is not really what I was looking for, but car is RUST FREE, and turnkey, and price almost within my budget. I'll have to borrow $10,000, but I'm getting old, and after 40 years, I think I've waited long enuff!!!

 

[CORVAIRWILD]

Car is running alloy radiator and electric fan. Seller says it gets hot in traffic. I missed a 409 fanshroud at Chevy Carlisle, it sold for $20, yeah, kills me!

Maybe I'll put a 7 blade clutch fan on, and electric fan in front of the radiator?

Any suggestions for a shroud?

 

[Phil Reed]

Just buy it and enjoy it!!!!!

 

[Don Jacks]

i'd say buy it,drive it,and go over the tune and find out what the problem with the over heating is caused by.As to the gearing,3.08 is the tallest gear that was ever used in an 8.2 drop out style rear.

 

[CORVAIRWILD]

Anybody got a 3:08? Tremec 5 speed becomes complicated, nothing is simple!

 

[boxerdog]

You might try a smaller water pump pulley also.

 

[Toms63SSQB]

Buy the car! We'll help with the overheating or any other problems or questions you come up with.

 

[boxerdog]

That's the attitude! This bunch has seen/done it all and that car appears to be a pretty good place to jump in. I wouldn't let that Muncie slow me down a bit. That is, if I could get the seat close enough to suit me.

 

[Toms63SSQB]

Muncie transmissions actually were introduced in 1963, made stronger in 65. I don't know when the 409's started getting them, late 63 I think.

 

[CORVAIRWILD]

I'm TALL! I just moved the seat back 5" in my '66 Tornado, much better! I have to do that in all my vehicles, I fab seat mount extenders, unless they have an electric seat, which helps alot.

 

[Jim Sullivan]

Nice looking car! Since it doesn't look like there is any fan shroud on the car, that may be all that is needed to keep the temperature down. That radiator looks small from here, not a normal replacement since the cap is offset to the driver side.

 

[CORVAIRWILD]

I'm counting the hours till I see it!

 

[Don Jacks]

See if you can get a copy of the engines build sheet.If you've got a fairly roudy cam in it and you throw taller gears in it,it'll likely behave worse.

 

[Phil Reed]

Muncie transmissions actually were introduced in 1963, made stronger in 65. I don't know when the 409's started getting them, late 63 I think.

I had a 63 425HP 409 and later a 63 300HP 327......both had Feb. build dates and Muncies with the VIN stamp. But late production would have been "more" normal.

 

[CORVAIRWILD]

The guy who sold this seller the motor had 12 409's. I'll find out the whole story tmrw. This was maybe 10 years ago, I'm guessing some were better than others, dismantled, blown etc. The motor came before the car, so at least 5 years ago. Stay tuned!

 

[CORVAIRWILD]

So update. I'll need to flat tow the car. (My issue-I'll explain later). Has anyone got a tow tab template? I'm a welder fabricator. And does the bumper (bolts) have to be removed? I can't get the car to my shop to measure-test fit etc.

 

[1964SuperStocker]

I don't have a flat tow set up yet but I plan on pulling my 2dr 64' belair sedan to the track with my 64' belair wagon at some point. Should be fun! Granted I have a nice car trailer so its kind of silly but would look cool.

 

[CORVAIRWILD]

I have a new 19' beaver tail, but for certain reasons, can't use it. Tow tabs anyone?

 

[La Hot Rods]

Why not just rent a tow dolly?

 

[CORVAIRWILD]

I have in the past, hassle, delay, cost, equipment problems. I'd rather make permanent (and cool looking) tow tabs